National Biodiversity Week is taking place from the 19th – 28th May 2023.
Sligo is Buzzing for National Biodiversity Week!
National Biodiversity Week is organised by the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). It is all about connecting people with nature and is made possible by the support of the Local Authority Heritage Officers, the Heritage Council’s network and the work of IEN member groups. Through a series of online and in-person events across Ireland, National Biodiversity Week motivates people to play their part in protecting nature.
Explore the rich variety of life in Sligo this May with a host of wonderful events and activities for the whole family. This year you can join in with the Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition, a weekend Bioblitz and Scavenger Hunt, and events on all things wildlife in Sligo! Events will be both in person and virtual, so everyone can take part!
For more information, you can browse the website at https://biodiversityweek.ie/ or follow #BiodiversityWeek2023 on social media. All events are free, except where indicated.
Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition:
Nothing captures Ireland’s beautiful natural environment better than a photograph. As part of Ireland’s Biodiversity Week 2023 IEN are hosting the 11th Annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition. Explore nature and be in with a chance to win up to €500 cash prizes. For more info see - https://biodiversityweek.ie/photo-competitions/
Backyard Bioblitz: 26th – 28th May 2023:
Wondering what that plant is? What is that insect visiting your flowers? Maybe you’ve seen an unknown bird at your feeder, or strange creatures at your local waterway or park. Explore your local area to discover fabulous flora and fauna! Our ecologists and wildlife experts will identify it for you! Simply share it on Twitter or Instagram with #BackyardBioblitz. For more info see - https://biodiversityweek.ie/backyard-bioblitz/
Biodiversity Scavenger Hunt:
There are lots of things living in your garden and local parks or wild areas. Take part in the scavenger hunt to see what you can find. Will you be able to complete the hunt?
Share your completed sheet with us online during Biodiversity Week with #BioHunt to be in with a chance to win a prize! For more info see - https://biodiversityweek.ie/biodiversity-scavenger-hunt/
Check out the Biodiversity Week Events happening in Sligo!
Sligo is Buzzing for National Biodiversity Week! Tune into Ocean FM weekdays at 10.30am
Tune into NW Today, Ocean FM at 10.30am weekdays throughout Biodiversity Week (22nd -26th May) to hear about biodiversity week and all the great work happening for biodiversity across County Sligo! Great listener prizes to be won daily, so be sure to tune in! An initiative of the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council in partnership with Ocean FM.
Biodiversity Walk in Union Wood - Wednesday 24th @ 10am
Join ecologists from Woodrow (APEM Group) for a guided walk through Union Wood. Supported by Coillte and Sligo County Council. Meet at the Fairgreen Square housing estate, Ballysadare (just beside the railway line entrance to Union Wood). This event is free and all are welcome, with booking required via Eventbrite.
Guided Woodland Walk at Longford Demesne – Saturday 27th May @ 2.30pm to 5pm
Join Diarmuid McAree, a Director of Crann - Trees for Ireland, who will lead a walk at the wonderful Longford Demesne woodland in partnership with Yvonne and Declan Foley. Winner of the 2010 RDS Forest Service Bio Diverse Forestry Woodland Award. Highlighting Irish Biodiversity during National Biodiversity Week 2023. Please note that NO dogs are permitted on site in order to protect badger setts and undergrowth providing shelter for a variety of wildlife. Please wear appropriate footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Come join us and enjoy nature at its best! www.crann.ie. This event is free and all are welcome, with booking required via Eventbrite.
Workshop: An Introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies: Sligo – Saturday 27th May
Join the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service for an introduction to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ireland. During this workshop we will look at the features used to identify Ireland’s Dragonfly and Damselfly species, where to find them, how to survey and identify them. In the afternoon we will explore local freshwater habitats to practice our field skills and spot some of the many species to be found in this area.
The workshop will be led by Michael Bell and will take place in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, The Ballinafad Centre, Gortalough, Ballinafad, Boyle, Co. Sligo. (Eircode: F52 K752) on Saturday, 27th May from 10:00am – 3:00pm (fieldwork included). The workshop audience is beginner to intermediate. Fee €20 (€10 for students). Workshop places are strictly limited and booking is via www.biodiversityireland.ie/workshops